Serena, Halep Cruise Into Wimbledon Final Showdown

by Staff | July 11th, 2019, 2:00 pm
  • 13 Comments

Serena Williams and Simona Halep set up a very intriguing final at Wimbledon Saturday.

Halep was facing rival Elina Svitolina who had given the Romanian a lot of problems in the past. Svitolina led 4-3 with plenty of chances in past matches to gain more victories over Halep.

Today, both slugged it out early going toe-to-toe for about 20 minutes for the first two games. But Halep came away with both then pulled away from the Ukrainian who was making her debut in a Slam semifinal.

After the 6-1, 6-3 win, Halep moves into her first Wimbledon final, 5th Grand Slam final.

“She didn’t give up a point,” Halep said afterward. “The rallies were very long and very powerful, as well. It was really tough to stay there. But I knew that I was actually prepared against her to fight for every ball. I played many times against her, and I knew that she doesn’t let the rhythm low.

“I had to be there, I had to be strong. Today, I think it was, again, one of the best matches on grass.”

Knowing the world No. 7 Halep was awaiting. Serena continued to sharpen her game against the first-time Slam semifinalist Barbora Strycova. The 33-year-old Czech admitted she tweaked something in her glutes early on, and it showed. Serena ran her ragged and had no trouble in a 6-1, 6-2 thumping.

Serena has won nine from ten against Halep including a win at Wimbledon some years ago. But Halep pushed Serena in defeat at the Australian Open and the as we saw the last two times Serena has made a Slam final, she’s not immune to the upset.

“Now I’m in a different place,” Serena said as she again tries to win her 24th Slam. “Like I just am more calm. Instead of having nothing to lose, I feel like I have things to lose, but I also have nothing to lose. It’s like I’m in the middle.

“I really want to do it. I’m in a different place because I wasn’t really playing a month ago, like, at all. So it’s all kind of coming together. I can’t really put how I’m taking it.”

Halep, who beat Serena at the WTA Finals in 2014, sounds ready for the challenge.

“I played many matches against her, many of them were very close,” said Halep. “I have learned that I have the chance. Now, if I face her, I will believe that I have my chance to win against her. Of course, I respect a lot what she has done and what she’s doing, but now I feel stronger mentally facing her. We will see what is going to happen. It’s just a big challenge for me.

“I think it’s a great feeling to face Serena in a Grand Slam final,” she added. “If you are able to win, makes it sweeter. If you lose, then you have to look forward for the next one. I’m in a good position, honestly. I have no pressure on myself, just positive one. I have expectations for myself that I can do a great job on court Saturday.”


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13 Comments for Serena, Halep Cruise Into Wimbledon Final Showdown

RZ Says:

Strycova may have lost her singles semifnal, but she made the doubles final. If she and Hsieh win, she will become the new #1 in doubles.


fred stone Says:

And Serina folds like a cheap suit.
Champ Halep: 6-2, 6-2. LOL!


skeezer Says:

Yep, Serena moved like she had two tree trunks for legs. WTF? Happy for Halep though, played steady and gave a Serena lesson in movement.


FedExpress Says:

First real tough opponent faced and SW again crumbles.

Halep was amazing.

SW should consider retirement


Colin Says:

I have always wanted Halep to win her matches, because of her nationality. I visited Romania back in the 1970s, and I love the music of the country, both classical and the marvelous
folk music. Also, I must admit it’s fun to see all the supposed experts get their forecasts so wrong!


RZ Says:

Congrats to Simona! After many nervy tight matches in other finals, nice to see her play calm, collected tennis. Hopefully more slams are to come.

I think #24 will come for Serena. If she can make finals with barely any match play, she should be able to get that record playing a fuller schedule.


RZ Says:

LOL at comments that Serena should retire. She’s barely played any matches and still makes Grand Slam finals. Why would she retire in that situation?


Van Persie Says:

happy for Simo :)
thank to Serena for staying in the tournament until the final. A win against her is much worthy in Halep’s CV


Truth Says:

ESPN and Chris Evert crying. Such bitter great tears.
They lied that they respected Halep and her ability to demolish Serena.
No, they coddled Serena so that they could boast about themselves and hope for much more network money & tv ratings for the US.


j-kath Says:

Wonderful Simona – she’s also totally charming. Don’t usually watch Serena matches as the result is usually a foregone conclusion and I enjoy the uncertainty re outcome.


Ftoma Says:

Colin. Thats true . I also hope Federer gets battered tomorrow. I like to see some Fedfans and TV pundits in anguish. Go Nole


FedExpress Says:

Ftoma,

be happy when others are sad and down.

Bravo.


Alison Hodge Says:

Congrats to Simona, one of the nicest most talented players on the WTA, congrats too to Serena not much match play but still making finals, i believe she will get her 24 eventually, although her dominance is over , and other players arent intimidated by her, those days are gone ….

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